It’s an extremely sad statistic, but more than one million wonderful dogs and cats are euthanized in the United States every year. The reason for this is because shelters simply can’t handle the number of pets that come through their doors, compared with the number of humans who come to the rescue. This is another reason why spaying or neutering [1] is so important, and that you get a pet for life, not just for Christmas.
At Gulf Coast Humane Society we’re proud to be a no kill shelter, but for that reason, it’s even more important that we find our rescue animals' fur-ever homes. Though adoption is the primary aim, there are other things that we - and other rescue shelters greatly appreciate. And usually they are everyday items that you could find lying around the house.
If you would like to donate to an animal shelter but you’re struggling with ideas, here is a list of things you can consider giving away. Some you can easily get at a reasonable price, and some that you may already have at home.
Food Bowls and Litter Pans
These items can be just as important as food, (which we greatly appreciate) as the shelters can get overcrowded very quickly. The feeding area must be clean and accessible, with enough food and water containers for everyone. Litter pans are also needed to keep the cleanliness. If you’re not in the position to buy pet food bowls, any metal sturdy container will do the job, such as old pots, saucepans, etc. Smaller plastic laundry tubs, for example, can serve as a great litter pan, or maybe as a useful container for storing food.
Collars, Leashes, Harnesses
With a bunch of untrained confused dogs, it’s difficult organizing them for a simple walk, let alone if things like collars and leashes are scarce. These are inexpensive items that you can find in any pet store that can make a big change for the staff in the shelter. Although a bit more expensive, metal chain collars are more durable and sturdy, more hygienic, and great for large dog breeds. Definitely something that could be reusable and last for a long time.
Our favorite is the No-Pull Freedom Harness.
Toys
In order to get much-needed mental stimulation and to have some fun, animals need toys or objects they can play with (or chew) to keep them busy and engaged. Dogs love ropes, squeaky toys or anything chewy they can play with and munch on. Cats enjoy anything scratchy or just simple balls and yarn to toss around.
Cleaning supplies and products
Many animals come in poor condition to rescue centers, carrying potential diseases. This is why proper hygiene is so important, but it costs money. You can help out by donating paper towels, soap, cloths, garbage bags, rubber gloves, laundry detergent and any useful cleaning products. Chlorine bleach is very effective in killing basically 99 percent of all the germs, viruses and bacteria, and great for cleaning the kennels, cages and feeding bowls.
We also appreciate Doggy Potty Pads!
Office Supplies
Not all shelter staff work solely with animals, much of their core business is done by searching for donations, finding possible adopters and organizing the rescues. Basic office supplies like sticky notes, pens, paper, staplers, and anything a regular office could need are really useful in a rescue shelter.
Towels, Blankets, Linens
Every household has at least one extra blanket or a towel collecting dust. These are actually very useful for cleaning up and keeping the animals warm and comfortable. Towels, blankets and old pillowcases can serve as great padding for a cage or for covering a bed, and they are washable and reusable - the dream combo for a rescue shelter!
Grooming Supplies
Our furry friends need regular grooming, bathing, and brushing to stay healthy and clean. Some of the animals that are taken in for the first time are dirty, flea and tick infected, with a matted and damaged coat. Supplies like animal shampoo, brushes, combs, nail clippers, grooming scissors, as well as flea and tick medication are all welcome.
Our complete wishlist
Adopting a pet is one way to help rescue shelters, but it definitely isn’t the only way. Basically anything you would use to properly take care of your pet is what an animal rescue could use as well. Any kind of selfless donation is a generous contribution that can ensure a better and more humane life for these precious animals. If you’d like to donate to our rescue centre, give us a call on (239) 332 0364, or drop in at 2010 Arcadia Street, Fort Myers, FL. 33916. Click here to make a donation.
Thank you for your continued support!
At Gulf Coast Humane Society we’re proud to be a no kill shelter, but for that reason, it’s even more important that we find our rescue animals' fur-ever homes. Though adoption is the primary aim, there are other things that we - and other rescue shelters greatly appreciate. And usually they are everyday items that you could find lying around the house.
If you would like to donate to an animal shelter but you’re struggling with ideas, here is a list of things you can consider giving away. Some you can easily get at a reasonable price, and some that you may already have at home.
Food Bowls and Litter Pans
These items can be just as important as food, (which we greatly appreciate) as the shelters can get overcrowded very quickly. The feeding area must be clean and accessible, with enough food and water containers for everyone. Litter pans are also needed to keep the cleanliness. If you’re not in the position to buy pet food bowls, any metal sturdy container will do the job, such as old pots, saucepans, etc. Smaller plastic laundry tubs, for example, can serve as a great litter pan, or maybe as a useful container for storing food.
Collars, Leashes, Harnesses
With a bunch of untrained confused dogs, it’s difficult organizing them for a simple walk, let alone if things like collars and leashes are scarce. These are inexpensive items that you can find in any pet store that can make a big change for the staff in the shelter. Although a bit more expensive, metal chain collars are more durable and sturdy, more hygienic, and great for large dog breeds. Definitely something that could be reusable and last for a long time.
Our favorite is the No-Pull Freedom Harness.
Toys
In order to get much-needed mental stimulation and to have some fun, animals need toys or objects they can play with (or chew) to keep them busy and engaged. Dogs love ropes, squeaky toys or anything chewy they can play with and munch on. Cats enjoy anything scratchy or just simple balls and yarn to toss around.
Cleaning supplies and products
Many animals come in poor condition to rescue centers, carrying potential diseases. This is why proper hygiene is so important, but it costs money. You can help out by donating paper towels, soap, cloths, garbage bags, rubber gloves, laundry detergent and any useful cleaning products. Chlorine bleach is very effective in killing basically 99 percent of all the germs, viruses and bacteria, and great for cleaning the kennels, cages and feeding bowls.
We also appreciate Doggy Potty Pads!
Office Supplies
Not all shelter staff work solely with animals, much of their core business is done by searching for donations, finding possible adopters and organizing the rescues. Basic office supplies like sticky notes, pens, paper, staplers, and anything a regular office could need are really useful in a rescue shelter.
Towels, Blankets, Linens
Every household has at least one extra blanket or a towel collecting dust. These are actually very useful for cleaning up and keeping the animals warm and comfortable. Towels, blankets and old pillowcases can serve as great padding for a cage or for covering a bed, and they are washable and reusable - the dream combo for a rescue shelter!
Grooming Supplies
Our furry friends need regular grooming, bathing, and brushing to stay healthy and clean. Some of the animals that are taken in for the first time are dirty, flea and tick infected, with a matted and damaged coat. Supplies like animal shampoo, brushes, combs, nail clippers, grooming scissors, as well as flea and tick medication are all welcome.
Our complete wishlist
- Earth Rated® Dog Waste Bags
- No-Pull Freedom Harness
- Booster Bath
- Doggy Potty Pads
- Four-Inch Heavy-Duty Carabiners
- Wet dog food
- Wet cat food
- Peanut butter (should not contain xylitol )
- Dog toys
- Cat toys
- Kuranda beds
- Kuranda cat towers
- Cat litter
- Leashes (non-retractable)
- Hoses and spray nozzles
- Baskerville "Ultra" Muzzles Size 1-6
- Petco/PetMeds/Pet Supermarket
- gift cards
- Grooming Supplies
- Nail Clippers
- Large Buster Food Cubes
- Large Nyla bones
- Toys
- Kong Toys
- Marrow Bones Large and Small
- Hard Plastic Climbing Toys
- Empty half-gallon and gallon water bottles with caps
- Velcro Strips (heavy duty kind)
- Pet Corrector
- Easy Walk Harnesses
- Baby Scale
- Adopt Me Vest
- Small or half aprons
- Stuffed Animals
- Bully Sticks
- Cleaning Supplies: Mops, brushes, squeegee'
- Clorox wipes
- Paper towels
- Bleach
- Laundry Soap
- Dawn Dish Soap
- Towels, sheets, rugs
- Contractor grade trash bags
- Hoses and spray nozzles
- Black trash bags
- White kitchen bags
- Plastic Kiddie Pools
- Sprinklers
- Office supplies (file folders, labels, post its, etc.)
- Digital Camera(s)
- Industrial washer and dryer
- Red Wagons
- Home Depot/Lowes gift cards
- Industrial Dishwasher (new or gently used)
- 48" Fluorescent Light Bulbs
- Laptop Computers
- Volunteer Handyman
- Portable Boombox/Radio & CD Players
- Picnic table
- Shelving for storage
- Nylabones
- Treats for cats and dogs
- Puzzle toys
- Stuffed Kongs
- Antlers
- Raw Beef Bones
Adopting a pet is one way to help rescue shelters, but it definitely isn’t the only way. Basically anything you would use to properly take care of your pet is what an animal rescue could use as well. Any kind of selfless donation is a generous contribution that can ensure a better and more humane life for these precious animals. If you’d like to donate to our rescue centre, give us a call on (239) 332 0364, or drop in at 2010 Arcadia Street, Fort Myers, FL. 33916. Click here to make a donation.
Thank you for your continued support!
RSS Feed
